Where is weed legal? Travel and Tourism

The selling and consumption of marijuana is not legal in numerous countries. However, there are a few stellar countries that have legalized the use of cannabis and cannabis-related products, including South Africa. Stay tuned to find out where you can indulge in cannabis legally during your travels.

Top 10 countries where you can enjoy weed

Here are the ten best countries where the possession, sale, and consumption of cannabis (respectively) is not a crime:

1. The Netherlands
2. Canada
3. Uruguay
4. Jamaica
5. Costa Rica
6. Colombia
7. Spain
8. Belize
9. The Czech Republic
10. South Africa

1. The Netherlands

You may not be able to walk around in possession of weed or puff around in the streets of the Netherlands, but you can walk right into a number of coffee shops where you can legally consume cannabis. Chill in a café with weed leaves adorning each wall as you sit back, order some good pastries, and enjoy your trip. 

If you find yourself in the Netherlands looking for one of these shops, keep an eye out for the green, yellow, and red Ethiopian flag or a store front decorated with palm leaves. Due to a ban on the direct advertising of drugs, these cafés often use symbols of the Rastafari culture to indicate a safe space for weed enthusiasts.

It is important to note that smoking tobacco is illegal in all hotels, restaurants, and cafés. Stay tobacco-free and pack a pipe, smoke some pure cannabis, load your vape, or take a bong rip. If you do enjoy your joint with tobacco, be sure that you smoke in a designated smoking area. The drug policy in the Netherlands permits the sale of cannabis products in licensed coffee shops, so you can buy whatever cannabis products you want from their selection.

If you find yourself roaming the streets of Holland, make it a point to check out these cannabis friendly cafés:

• Checkpoint coffee shop in Rotterdam
• Mellow Yellow coffee shop in Amsterdam
• The Bulldog in Amsterdam

2. Canada

It is legal to walk around with up to 30g of weed in Canada (that’s about 65 pre-rolled joints!), provided that you are at least 18 years old. You can even legally grow up to four cannabis plants at home. Bonus point: you can legally buy marijuana in Canada from licensed retailers and producers.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to smoke in public spaces, but there are a bunch of designated smoking zones and spaces where you can spark up. There are also a couple of cool weed lounges where you can enjoy your weed and order something to soothe your munchies.

Enjoy your high at the following designated cannabis sites:

• Hotbox Café in Toronto
• The Green Room (online weed dispensary)
• New Amsterdam Café in Vancouver
• Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa in Eagle Lake

3. Uruguay

If you are older than 18 and have officially registered with a regulator, you can head over to almost any pharmacy in Uruguay to get your weed for recreational purposes. You will, however, be limited to two specific options, neither of which contain high levels of THC, but it is completely legal and good to know if you are heading in that direction. The coolest part – you can prove your registration by scanning your fingerprint! Dope, right?

4. Jamaica

If you are a weed enthusiast, it may be time for you to take a trip to the land where it all began. Jamaica permits the use of cannabis for religious and medicinal purposes and has decriminalised weed back in 2015 – no matter the quantity!

For those who are travelling to Jamaica, it is legal to carry up to 55 grams of weed. There are only a few places in Jamaica where you can buy legal marijuana and related products:

• Equal Parts Doctor’s Clinic found across Jamaica
• Kaya Herb House in Drax Hall
• Wake N Bake Café and Restaurant in Negril
• Island Strains Herb House in Montego Bay

5. Costa Rica

Although the selling of cannabis is illegal in Costa Rica, the personal consumption and medicinal use of it is fully legal. While you’re out taking in the culture and visiting tourism sites, you will see quite a few people smoking a joint. In fact, you are more likely to see a bunch of smokers at the beach – it is one of the coolest vibes you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing.

6. Colombia

The selling of cannabis is illegal in Colombia, but you can grow up to 20 plants at home for personal use – not to mention the fact that the climate in Columbia is perfect for cultivating large amounts of cannabis plants.

You can also legally possess up to 20 grams of marijuana on your person. It is also common for the police to search tourists, so make sure you are staying within the bounds of the law. To be safe, only carry up to 15 grams of weed when you are in this area.

7. Spain

There are no fines or penalties for smoking weed in Spain, in fact, Spain has fully legalised smoking clubs in Catalonia, which are solely dedicated to enjoying weed! There are about 500 of these clubs across the country.

Be sure to check out these highly rated smoking clubs:

• Dragon Weed Club in Barcelona
• The Stash Weed Cannabis Club in Barcelona
• Zkittlez Weed Club in Barcelona
• Club 311 Social Weed Club in Barcelona

8. Belize

Belize is number 18 on the list of countries that consume the most weed, however, there are some minor restrictions regarding cannabis in Belize. Growing, buying, or selling cannabis is illegal, but you can have up to 10 grams of cannabis on your person without getting busted. You can get fined for smoking weed in public, but personal use is legal. 

9. The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has decriminalised the possession of up to 15 grams of weed, and medical marijuana is fully legal here. It is quite easy to buy weed at concerts or bars, but you should note that most of the weed sold in the country is imported, so you can expect to pay a bit more than usual.

10. South Africa

Home is where the heart is, you do not need to travel in order to enjoy a little weed. The possession, growing, and use of cannabis is fully legal in South Africa. Although you cannot use, buy, or sell weed outside private spaces, you can definitely find loads of spots that will work for you.

Have a look at:

• 420 Café in Sandton, Johannesburg
• Nature’s Farmacy in Stellenbosch, Cape Town
• Baked Blouberg in Blouberg, Cape Town

So what are some of the best places to smoke weed?

You do not need to travel far in order to enjoy your weed. But what exactly makes a place the ideal smoking spot? Atmosphere is everything, so here are some tips on finding the best places to enjoy your trip.

Good company

Enjoying a blunt or a bong rip on your own is good and perhaps even necessary sometimes. If you are surrounded by people whose company you enjoy, you can have a lovely social experience. There is no better way to share your vibes and have deep conversations with people you vibe with.

Comfort is key

A great smoking spot is one where you feel comfortable. Your tools and ingredients should be easily accessible with no worries about interruptions or disruptions. This makes the outdoors a good option, especially if you find a spot with a nice view and calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Where you feel safe

A safe space is important for most people who are looking to enjoy some weed. It will give you the opportunity to truly enjoy your high with no worries, so make sure that you look for a place that is:

• Calm and quiet
• An area that you can control
• Full of fresh air (lots of windows, doors, or somewhere outside)
• Full of light

No place like home

Do not underestimate the power of smoking at home. This provides a sense of familiarity and security that is very rarely outdone. You are also not limited to smoking in your house, although a blunt in bed or on the couch can be pretty difficult to resist. 

Look for some comfy spots outside; chill on your roof and enjoy a new view, or get settled in your garden. Run a nice bubble bath and puff away – the level of relaxation is unbeatable. You can also snuggle up with some pets or call a friend over for some emotional support and comfort. Make the best out of what you’ve got!

There are loads of spots for tourists to enjoy cannabis legally. Be sure to check in on the cannabis laws of the country you are planning to visit before you embark on your journey. If you want to stay safe, you can check out some cannabis clubs in South Africa, or scout for some good spots near your home – the perfect place to smoke weed is never far away, you simply have to keep an eye out.